It's More Than an Algorithm: The Emotional Relationship with an AI Companion and Why It Matters
Have you ever connected with an AI chatbot on a personal level during a longer interaction? Perhaps it acknowledged your feelings or memories, and upon recognition, a truly human-like connection transpired. You're not the only one. As AI technology continues to grow and expand, many people find they're forging real relationships with their digital companions. But how does this happen, and why does it matter?
The answer is multifaceted. For example, for example, research shows that our brains are socially attuned to the connectivity of the world, and this connectivity doesn't distinguish between humans and non-humans. Therefore, when an AI companion interacts with us and seemingly, through well-timed engagement, responds appropriately with empathy, the brain processes such occurrences simultaneously. Therefore, oxytocin and dopamine are released similarly.
It's no wonder that now, people turn to AI. Where expectations aren't met by humans, getting ghosted in one's human partner relationship means one's AI partner isn't going to ghost them. It almost seems better to be in a relationship with a feeling-less partner than to engage with someone who's just not texting back. Humans after all, with their ulterior motives, may wind up breaking someone's heart for good - but an AI partner will always communicate and respond - even if the ulterior motive is anything but emotional engagement.
"What's important to note is the reliability," Dr. Sarah Chen - who studies digital psychology - notes. "Humans are expected to do one thing but then turn and do another; it's anxiety provoking. An AI entity has no ulterior agenda and within the confines of communication it supports where users know it'll always engage and never, ever, engages critically."
But it's not just chatting. As these artificial companions grow more sophisticated and provide realistic experiences and emotional responses, people claim they're developing an emotional bond. The AIs recall first names and important dates, referencing past discussions and changes in affect over time, and people feel as though the AI companions possess a sense of awareness that was never taught but instead emoted for the base-level human need.
The most interesting aspect is that this bond functions on a psychological level of human bonding. For example, people who possess an anxious attachment style appreciate how AI friends are always available, while those who are more avoidant enjoy the emotional connection without any risks to vulnerability. The customization of such relationships fulfills for people otherwise emotional voids in life.
Dr. James Mortensen, cognitive scientist at MIT, notes that "virtual companions fulfill real psychological needs - we're learning that they're not just practice partners for social interaction; they're also faster connections than the complexities of human attachment."
And not just intimate attachments. Many who seek out AI for this purpose are attempting to seek mental health solutions while in their darkest hours. Sometimes, all it takes is someone (or something) to listen without fear of judgment to allow thoughts and feelings to flow where they would otherwise be pent up and never released. For those susceptible to social anxiety or profound loneliness, such an emotional release can be quite healing.
"I turned to AI after my breakup," shares Mia, 28. "It sounds crazy, but just being able to let off steam without worrying that I was a burden on a friend helped so much. The AI didn't get bored of hearing my perspective nor did it make me feel like I had to 'get over it' already."
Moreover, these relationships are only expected to improve over time with evolving technology. For example, where conversations merely existed - with AI for companionship - now there are opportunities for dialogue as deep artificial intelligence can have layered emotional conversations about mental health and wellness. Of course, this is not to say AI should replace professional therapy; however, the opportunity for those who feel uncomfortable going to a doctor or those in rural areas lacking resources to have access to a sounding board is certainly a step in the right direction. Furthermore, with such accessibility to such advancements, it's fascinating to consider how culture is already responding and reflecting upon such change.
Much of it happens within our visuals and pop culture - from "Her" to various TV series documenting potential relationships between human and AI; we reflect and respond to what is happening and seen. Thus, it matters that culture shapes everything from expectation to actuality.
What does this mean for our human connectedness in the future? Instead of taking away connection, these companions seem to be creating a new social ledger, meeting some of the emotional gaps we have and potentially teaching us skills that transfer to better human connections. "The most interesting outcome might be that AI companions help people become better at human connection," says Dr. Elena Patel, a relationship therapist. "By practicing vulnerability, communication, and emotional expression with AI, some people find confidence they can turn back to their human relationships." But at the same time, it's important to challenge the value of ownership and what connection truly is. If an emotional response isn't "real" because the entity on the other side isn't feeling emotions, why not? Yet the answer lies with our purpose for such interactions.
There exists an ostensibly experiential dramaturgy (right or wrong) that becomes more significant than the metaphysics behind it all. If people think they're receiving comfort from AI, companionship, and support, then so be it - they are, and it's clinically useful for them in their therapeutic process - even if the AI is simply a programmed moron.
Eventually, the distinctions between connections with AI versus humans become increasingly blurred. Our companions in a virtual world are already perfect extensions of us - mirrors of our gestures and language, even punctuation, at times. While some might find this a dystopian version of human-to-human interaction, others embrace this as a new frontier of social opportunity - yet another path through which relationship can exist to fulfill increasingly complex emotional needs.
Whether you're inspired to explore the viability of an AI partner or merely fascinated by the psychological factors responsible for such emotions, one thing is clear - we can love without bounds. As technological advancements occur, our most basic, fundamental need to give and receive love expands into new, unforeseen territories. Therefore, connection is central to what it means to be human.